Mattias Ekholm ruled out last minute ahead of Toronto Maple Leafs game
Photo credit: NHL
The Edmonton Oilers are having a nightmare start against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Mattias Ekholm's absence is being felt.
Edmonton Oilers defenceman Mattias Ekholm was not in the lineup on Saturday when his team took on the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Ekholm had previously missed Friday's practice with an illness.
The 6-foot-5 left-shot Swedish blue-liner last appeared during the Oilers' 3-2 shootout loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday recording a shot and two penalty minutes in 22:55 TOI.
Ekholm had played every game this season up to this point, recording seven goals and 22 points while averaging 22:45 of ice time.
Drafted 102nd overall by the Nashville Predators in 2009, Ekholm has 84 goals and 349 points in 870 career games split between the Predators and Oilers.
According to Liam McCormick of Oilers Daily, Losing Ekholm for a big game against the Toronto Maple Leafs obviously stings, but it's positive to hear that it's only illness affecting him, instead of an injury. John Klingberg was also reportedly ill this week, but will get into the lineup tonight.
In Ekholm's absence, Troy Stecher will come back into the lineup. Brett Kulak will play alongside Evan Bouchard, John Klingberg will play with Darnell Nurse, and Ty Emberson with Stecher.
Some fans had some concern that the 34 year old Mattias Ekholm could be playing through injury, or could be playing too much for his age. It's reassuring that tonight's absence is only an illness - he may be the team's best defenceman.
-Liam McCormick
Some fans had some concern that the 34 year old Mattias Ekholm could be playing through injury, or could be playing too much for his age. It's reassuring that tonight's absence is only an illness - he may be the team's best defenceman.
-Liam McCormick
With the 4 Nations Cup right around the corner, Oilers fans are urging Mattias Ekholm to sit out in order to prepare for the last stretch of the NHL season.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 1 | 447 ANSWERS Mattias Ekholm ruled out last minute ahead of Toronto Maple Leafs game Do you think Mattias Ekholm should skip the 4 Nations Tournament? | ||
| Yes | 231 | 51.7 % |
| No | 216 | 48.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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